8K Racer Instructions

Why 8K? Why not? It’s a nice distance to run or walk, especially if you bring your dog. Leashed pets are more than welcome – we just ask that you line up to start after the other runners and please pick up after your pet.

LATE REGISTRATION: It’s never too late to register – you can sign up at packet pickup or the day-of, and if you are in the first 2,500 to register, you will receive a commemorative Kiss Me I’m Irish™ technical shirt.

RACE COURSE: The timed race follows a fairly flat, fast USA Track & Field Certified course, going south on 91st Ave past the Arizona Cardinal’s stadium to Bethany Home Road, then a short distance along the multi-use path then back under 91st Ave to 95th Ave, and back to Westgate on the west side of the stadium.

POST RACE: After the race, there will be music until 11 am and plenty of food and beverage, including “Bundtinis” compliments of Nothing Bundt Cakes. The party continues at Westgate with an after-party at McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon with a free green beer (or non-alcoholic beverage) for all.

PORTA POTTIES & WATER STOPS: There will be a water stop on the multi-use trail, just after you turn off 93rd Avenue going east, with a porta pottie and dog water bowls. You will pass this water stop on your way out and back. There will be another water stop and porta pottie at the 8k turnaround point.

At the start/finish, you will find a bank of porta potties in the parking lot behind McFadden’s Restaurant. There are also 3 permanent restrooms in Westgate and McFadden’s invites runners to come into the restaurant and use their facilities.

PRIZES:All participants receive a FINISHERS MEDAL (New this Year!) and a kiss as they cross the finish line (a chocolate kiss!) The top three in each age category receive winner medals as well.

Finishers medals for every 17, 8 and 4k finisher

Be sure to wear your best St. Patty’s green! There are prizes for the best St. Patty’s-themed running outfit and Cutest Pet.

KEY DROP: If you don’t want to carry your keys, you can leave them securely with us and pick them up after the race. (Keys only – leave everything else in your car!) Key drop is at the Information Booth.

PHOTOGRAPHS: We’ll be out there taking candid shots and posting them on Facebook. Please be sure to take lots of selfies and post them too. Note that your participation grants Kiss Me I’m Irish Run™ the right to use your photo for marketing purposes.

TRANSFER & REFUND POLICIES: All participant entries are non-transferable and there are no refunds. You may not transfer or sell your race number to another person. We do not offer a deferral to next year event or another event in the series. There are no exceptions to this policy unless approved by race organizer.

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